Case Study

Siemon GPS Brings a Perfect Storm to BMW

Securty Surveillance Integration

Thanks to Hollywood, the term "perfect storm"
makes most of us imagine a scenario where multiple
destructive forces converge with terrible consequences.
But what happens when positive forces
and capabilities align?

BMW was
undergoing a significant renovation of it's facility,
including the showroom, office spaces and service
area, aimed at improving BMW's already worldclass
customer experience and service levels.
In addition to a major structural remodeling, this
project included the upgrade of the site's core technologies
- voice, data, wireless, multimedia, security
and service diagnostics. Between the architect,
designers, GC and sub-contractors ranging from
construction and electrical to specialized system
integrators was Anthony Cilfone, the General
Manager.

"After finalizing the actual building design and
breaking ground, I was relieved that the hardest
part was over," Cilfone explained. "I knew that
there was a lot of technological infrastructure work
left, but was cautiously confident that the engineers
and GC had it under control."

As new systems were delivered and specialized
contractors began assessing the site, it became clear
that there were issues. Although they had created
a beautiful and well planned facility design, the
architects and engineers had not planned sufficient
support for the low-voltage infrastructure. The GC
worked to correct this, but without low-voltage
cabling-specific expertise, even they were at the
mercy of a piece-meal collection of sub-contractors
and system vendors.

For Cilfone, the mounting challenges of the low-voltage
system threatened to become a burden. "I wanted
to focus on my customers and their cars, not on
managing IT."

Siemon Global Project Services (GPS), a managed
services company focused on single-source low voltage
and physical layer infrastructure projects for
multi-site customers, was engaged to manage all
low-voltage elements of the BMW project.
GPS' first order of business was to review the
infrastructure design and remediate as necessary to
accommodate all of the corporate-driven and local
low-voltage applications. This included an
upgraded voice system, IT data network, BMW's
innovative ISIS remote diagnostic and service system,
BMW corporate LAN network, secured and
customer WiFi, new 3-way paging system, IP
-based video security, access control and IPTV.

Working directly with equipment vendors and integrators as
required, GPS provided a new low-voltage infrastructure design,
supporting both current capacity needs and providing future
growth capacity. The new design was an eye-opener for
Cilfone. "We would have gotten up and running with the original
plans, but we wouldn't have known how inefficient it would
have been until it was too late. The GPS design saved us time
and headaches."

Literally at the center of the entire network, the data center space
was the critical starting point. Having already developed the
design, GPS managed the installation of the core physical-layer
support systems. A full Siemon VersaPOD data center cabinet
configuration was employed, giving BMW space for their current
core networking and voice equipment as well as space for
future expansion. The VersaPOD-based layout allows the vertical
space between bayed cabinets as well as in end-of-row or
standalone cabinets to be used as a Zero-U vertical patching or
cable management area, conserving horizontal space for future
equipment needs. Working alongside other equipment and
application vendors, GPS ensured that the DC configuration
seamlessly supported every BMW system requirement.

One of the most critical BMW applications to rely on the DC is
their innovative ISIS system, a full-featured automobile diagnosis
program. ISIS servers in the DC connect to technician workstations
in the service areas. Technicians can plug directly into the
car's systems and use ISIS to ensure the optimum performance
of every BMW they service. Detailed and model-specific automated
programs diagnose critical systems, identify service
needs and even schedule future service appointments. ISIS can
even allow BMW engineers in Germany to remotely diagnose
cars in real time, anywhere in the world. Managing the installation
of the ISIS physical layer connectivity as part of a total
service center network build-out, GPS ensured the robust and
flexible connectivity BMW needed to maintain its legendarily
high customer service levels.

The DC also supported GPS's design for BMW's office and
showroom applications. With efforts coordinated between the
DC, service area and customer spaces, GPS contractors
installed a future-proof voice and data network, providing highperformance
cabling with sufficient flexibility and capacity to
meet future expansions without business disruptions. In addition
to voice and data, the cabling plant also supports the BMW
corporate LAN network, secured and customer wireless access
points and the facility's IP-based video security system.

Through the GPS design concept, that cabling infrastructure also
integrated two of BMW's key video applications. In order to
enhance the customer experience and improve service levels,
BMW provides an advanced IPTV system in their showroom.
With this interactive "IBM TV" video portal, customers can
access BMW model information and specifications, see promotional
pieces and more. The system is also used as a staff training
tool, delivering multimedia training content and more.
This video system runs over the same advanced data cabling
infrastructure supporting the data network, offering excellent
flexibility.

"Looking at the project now, we can really start to see the efficiencies
we gained with GPS," explained Cilfone. "The network
was designed and installed as a single, cooperative unit rather
than a bunch of separate systems - meaning it will just plain
work better for us and our customers. We worked with one,
expert infrastructure partner rather than having to manage a
bunch of contractors. Not only was this less resource-intensive
for us, we were far more confident that it was being done right
with GPS running the show. And, it saved money."

...A perfect storm.

24/7 Project Tracking

GPS customers can monitor the status of their GPS managed roll-out projects with the webTRAC tracking system.